In a long-awaited move, the popular messaging platform WhatsApp has finally made its official web debut. Desktop and laptop owners will be happy to know that they can now message their favorite contacts directly from their computers, without the need to install additional apps.

For now, the new web interface requires that you're using Google's Chrome browser. Also, it's not currently available for iOS users, but it is already live for Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone. Just make sure the app on your mobile device is up to date, then head to web.whatsapp.com on your computer to begin.

Once you've made it this far, open WhatsApp on your mobile device and head to the app's main menu. From there, select the new "WhatsApp Web" entry, then line up your phone's camera with the QR Code on the computer.

Your account will be paired with the web interface at this time, and all of your existing message threads will be synced between your devices. WhatsApp recommends that you enable Wi-Fi on your smartphone so that the syncing process does not count against your mobile data cap.

WhatsApp+ Receives Cease & Desist Letter

In other WhatsApp-related news, a popular third-party variant of the official app was ordered to stop operations today. WhatsApp+ offered Android users many customization options over the official client, but development has been shut down in accordance with a cease and desist letter from WhatsApp, Inc.

According to a statement issued by WhatsApp+ developer Mounib Al Rifai, development of the third-party app stopped last night, and its community will be shut down later today.

In the end, it was a day of ups and downs for the wildly-popular messaging service. Are you more excited for the good news, or upset about the bad news? Let us know in the comment section below.